DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

A STUDY ON THE ISSUES FACED BY CHILD LABOUR IN GUDUVANCHERY, CHENNAI CITY

PRESENTERS: UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF:

HARIPRIYA. A (223461101014) MS. SHAAKIRA BANU. Z
SHARAVANA KUMAR. J (223461101044) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
THIRU THILAK. V (223461101056) CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL FORENSICS
IIIRD
B.SC CRIMINOLOGY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE PERUNGUDI, CHENNAI.
DR. M.G.R. EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE
 INTRODUCTION

Child Labour refers to the employment of children in

any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes
with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally,
physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful. Poverty
is a primary driver, forcing families to rely on children's income
for survival. Lack of access to quality education keeps children
out of school and makes them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Cultural norms in some societies accept or even encourage child
labour. Economic exploitation where children are seen as cheap
labour. The Child and Adolescent Labour [Prohibition and
Regulation] Act, 1986. This act prohibits children under the age
of 14 from working in any hazardous occupation. Children
between 14 and 18 years are not allowed to work in such
occupations.
 CHILD DEFINITION:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a Child as;
“A human being below the age of 18 years, unless under the law applicable to the child,
majority is attained earlier.”

 CHILD LABOUR DEFINITION:

The International Labour Organisation defines Child Labour as;
“Child labour as work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful
to children or that interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to
attend school, obliging them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to combine school
attendance with excessively long or heavy work.”
HISTORY OF CHILD LABOUR IN THE WORLD
Child labour has been prevalent for centuries, driven by economic, social, and cultural factors.
Throughout history, children have been forced to work in agriculture, industries, mines, and domestic
settings.
1. ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: Egypt, Greece, and Rome, child labour was common in sectors
like agriculture, domestic service, and craftsmanship. Economic necessities and societal norms led
to the early engagement of children in various forms of work, often in harsh conditions.
2. MEDIEVAL PERIOD: Feudal systems and apprenticeship practices further perpetuated child
labour. Children worked as apprentices in guilds and artisanal workshops, sometimes facing
exploitation and hazardous tasks.
3. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: The exploitation of child labour reached its peak as industries
sought cheap and adaptable labour. The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in
the history of child labour. With the rise of factories and mines, children as young as 10 were
working in hazardous conditions, long hours, and receiving poor wages.
 The first movements to combat child labour emerged in the 19th century, driving the
development of child labour reforms and regulations in various countries. These
efforts aimed to enhance working conditions and safeguard children from exploitation.
 Reform movements and legislation ultimately led to the establishment of minimum
age limits for employment, particularly in relation to working conditions. However,
child labour persists in many regions, particularly in developing countries.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The current research investigates the prevalence of

child labour in Guduvanchery. This research is necessary to
understand their challenges, such as physical strain, emotional
stress, or a lack of education.

By listening to their stories and struggles, we can gain insight into

the underlying causes of child labour. The findings can help raise
awareness and focus efforts on improving policies and promoting
effective systems. Raise awareness and focus efforts on and propose
solutions to improve children's access to education.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
1. Martin (2013) examines child labour, investigating its causes, effects, and impact on
development. He explains that child labour includes any work that harms a child's education, health, or
well-being. Poverty, lack of schooling, and weak laws are the main reasons children are forced to work.
The study shows that child labour leads to poor physical and mental growth, making life harder for
these children in the future. Martin also reviews global laws, such as those from the International
Labour Organization, and assesses how effectively they prevent child labour. He discusses how culture
and economy affect child labour in different places. The paper suggests that better education, stronger
laws, and poverty reduction can help fight the problem. Martin highlights the role of governments,
charities, and global groups in ending child labour. He believes solving this issue requires working
together on many solutions. The study concludes that only a mix of legal, social, and economic efforts
can reduce child labour.
2. Al-Gamal et al. (2013) explore the psychosocial effects of child labour, emphasizing its
negative impact on children's mental health, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. The study
highlights how working children often experience anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal due
to exploitation and a lack of education. It also discusses the role of family, poverty, and societal
factors in perpetuating child labour. The findings suggest that child laborers face difficulty forming
relationships and experience low academic achievement. The study highlights the importance of
governmental and social interventions in protecting children from hazardous work environments.
Furthermore, it calls for policies that ensure children’s rights to education and psychological well-
being. The research contributes to understanding the long-term consequences of child labour and
advocates for multidisciplinary approaches to address the issue.
3. The article by Kaur and Byard (2021) explores the prevalence of child labor in India,
emphasizing its socio-economic and legal implications. The authors discuss how poverty, lack of
education, and weak enforcement of child protection laws contribute to the persistence of child labour.
They highlight the hazardous conditions under which children work, often in informal sectors such as
agriculture, construction, and domestic labour. The study examines the exacerbation of child labour
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to economic downturns, school closures, and increased
vulnerability of children to exploitation. The authors analyze the impact of governmental policies and
international frameworks in addressing child labour. They argue that enforcement remains a
significant challenge despite legal provisions due to socio-cultural and economic barriers. The article
underscores the long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences of child labour on
children. Additionally, it discusses the role of NGOs and advocacy groups in mitigating the issue. The
study suggests that a combination of stricter law enforcement, social welfare programs, and
educational initiatives is crucial in combating child labour. The findings suggest that addressing the
root causes, such as poverty and inadequate education, is essential for achieving sustainable change.
4. Carolyn Tuttle’s (2021) provides an in-depth analysis of child labour from an economic
perspective. The book examines the role of children in industrial settings, assessing the supply
and demand forces that drove child employment. Tuttle explores how poverty, family necessity,
and employer preferences contributed to the persistence of child labour. She evaluates legislative
reforms and their effectiveness in reducing child exploitation. Using historical data, the author
compares working conditions in factories and mines. The book also discusses child labor's
economic benefits and drawbacks for employers and families. Tuttle highlights the resistance to
child labour laws due to financial interests. Her research is grounded in archival records and
economic models. The book provides a nuanced understanding of the industrial economy’s
reliance on child workers.
5. Alhassan Abdullah, Inès Huynh, Clifton R. Emery, and Lucy P. Jordan (2022) conducted a
systematic literature review on social norms and family child labour, which was published in
the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Their study explores how
cultural and societal norms influence the prevalence of child labor within families. The review
highlights that child labour is normalized in many communities due to economic necessity,
traditional values, and intergenerational work expectations. The authors analyze various factors,
including parental attitudes, societal perceptions, and financial pressures that sustain child labour
practices. They emphasize the role of social norms in either perpetuating or mitigating child labour,
depending on external factors such as policy interventions and education. The study synthesizes
findings from multiple sources to illustrate how deeply ingrained beliefs shape child labour
practices. It also underscores the importance of effectively changing societal attitudes to combat
child labour. The authors conclude that addressing these social norms requires policy changes,
economic support, and educational programs. Their review contributes to the broader discussion on
child labour by linking it to cultural and structural determinants.
 OBJECTIVES
 The Objectives of the study are:

To investigate the prevalence of child labour in Guduvanchery, Chennai.

Identify the socio-economic factors that contribute to child labour.

To assess the effectiveness of education in reducing child labour.

Preventing and protecting children who work.

Suggest measures to improve children’s educational accessibility.

 METHODOLOGY

 RESEARCH AIM:
This study aims to analyze the prevalence of child labour in Guduvanchery,
factors contributing to child labour among adolescents aged 13 – 18 years, and
examine the challenges faced by child labourers.

 POPULATION AND SAMPLE OF THE STUDY:

PARTICIPANTS:
The targeted population for this study includes children engaged in child
labour in Guduvanchery.
The study focuses on adolescents aged 13 – 18 years, as they are more
vulnerable to child labour.
SAMPLE:
The study will employ a purposive sampling method, particularly suitable for
understanding complex issues, such as the socio-economic factors influencing child labour
and education.
The sample size is 70 children who are aged between 13 and 18 tears, engaged in child
labour in Guduvanchery.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:
The operational definitions for stress and trauma:
 STRESS: Stress is a physiological response to perceived threats or pressures. It may be
physical, emotional, or psychological in nature.
 TRAUMA: This is considered a highly upsetting and challenging experience. It can
have long-term consequences for mental health, resulting in conditions such as post-
traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety, and depression.
VARIABLES:
 INDEPENDENT VARIABLE:
The study focuses on child labour as the primary issue, examining various factors that
directly influence its prevalence and impact on affected children.
 DEPENDENT VARIABLE:
o Socio-Demographic Information:
Age, Gender, Educational level, and work that define the child’s background.
o Impact on School Attendance:
School attendance, working hours, and the reason for discontinuing school are
important to understand educational development.
o Academic Performance:
Support from the instructor is needed to identify factors affecting their studies.
o Prolonged Educational Effects:
Skill development and career development.
o Physical and Mental Health Consequences:
Physical and mental well–being, such as stress or trauma.
o Societal struggle:
Future relationships, social skills, and interactions.
o Repercussions on Families and Communities:
Family economic stability, community development, and societal well-being.

 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. What problems do child labourers face in Guduvanchery, Chennai, in their daily physical,
emotional, and social life?
2. What is the reason that forces children into labour, and how does it affect their education?
3. What kind of work do child labourers do, and how does it affect their physical and mental
health?
 RESEARCH TOOLS:
This study employs quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to
comprehensively understand child labour in Guduvancherry. The following tools were used:
• Survey Questionnaire - A structured questionnaire containing closed-ended questions
was administered to child labourers to gather data on their socio-economic background,
education level, working conditions, and overall well-being.
• Interviews (Semi-structured) – Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to gain
deeper insights into child labourer’s experiences, challenges, and perspectives.

 SOURCE OF DATA:
Data collection is the most crucial step in conducting research within a specified
timeframe. It is a challenging job that requires thorough planning to select the appropriate
data source for obtaining the required information. The present study utilizes primary and
secondary data to analyze child labourer’s issues.
 Primary Data: This includes directly collected data through semi-structured interviews,
surveys, and direct observation of child labourers, which provided insight into their
experiences, working conditions, and challenges, and served as the primary source of
information.
 Secondary Data: Data obtained from secondary sources, such as research papers, books,
articles, and online databases, provides background, legal perspectives, and statistical
insights on child labour.
 PERCENTAGE
AGE CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN

This research analysis of the chart indicates the age categories of

children engaged in child labour. The highest number of child
labourers is in the age group of 17 years, with a percentage of 40.0%.
The second age group, 38.6% of child labourers, is 16. The third age
group included 18-year-olds, 11.4% of the child labourers. In the
fourth age group, 7.1% of child labourers are 14. In the last age 1.4%
1.4%
group, 1.4% of child labourers are 13 to 15. 7.1% 11.4%

DISCUSSION: Children aged 16 to 18 form the majority of child

labourers. This indicates that children nearing adulthood are more
likely to be involved in work, possibly due to increased physical
capacities. They are also more vulnerable to negative influences and 38.6%
pressured to support their families financially. The fact that children 40%

as young as 13 to 15 years old are involved in labour is concerning

and shows the need for early intervention.

18 years 17 years 16 years 15 years 14 years 13 years

 GENDER ANALYSIS

5.7%

The Gender analysis reveals that most child labourers

are male, accounting for 94.3%, and the females are
5.7%. Males are significantly more involved in child
labour compared to females.

94.3%

MALE FEMALE
 EDUCATION LEVEL
2.9%
The education level of child labourers in the categories, the 8.6%
highest number of child labourers is in the secondary education
category, accounting for 47.1%. The second, primary education
category, with a percentage of 41.4%. The higher education
41.4%
category accounts for 8.6%, and no formal education makes up
47.1%
the smallest portion, with a percentage of 2.9%.
DISCUSSION: Most working children have only primary or
secondary education, few reach higher education, and some
have no formal education at all. This highlights how child NO FORMAL EDUCATION PRIMARY EDUCATION
labour limits educational attainment, often due to poverty, lack SECONDARY EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION
of access, financial problems, and the need to support families.
 TYPE OF WORK
PERCENTAGE
3.0%
This chart analyses the work done by child labourers.
Most child labourers are engaged in domestic work, 9.0%
accounting for 52.0%. The second most common type of
work is in the factory, with a percentage of 36.0%.
Street vending, with a percentage of 9.0%. Agriculture
and farming account for 3.0% of the child labour
52.0%
population.
36.0%
DISCUSSION: Shop work is more easily accessible to
everyone than other work. Other types of jobs are
physically demanding and often exploitative, exposing
children to unsafe environments. SHOP WORKERS FACTORY STREET VENDING
AGRICULTURE & FARMING
 ATTENDING SCHOOL WHILE WORKING.

8.6%

This chart analyses the number of child labourers attending

school while working. Most child labourers, 91.4%, reported
attending school while working. Only 8.6% stated that they
were not attending school while working.

91.4%

YES NO
 SCHOOL ATTENDANCE FREQUENCY

7.0%
16.0%
This chart analyses the frequency of school attendance
among child labourers. Among those who attend school
while working, 51.0% reported attending regularly, 26.0%
attend sometimes, 16.0% attend rarely, and 7.0% have
dropped out of school. 26.0%
51.0%

DROP OUT REGULAR SOMETIMES RARELY

 SCHEDULE AFFECT SCHOOL HOURS

This chart analysis shows how work schedules affect school 35.7%
hours for child labourers. The percentage of 35.7% of children
reported that their work schedule affects their school hours,
while 64.3% of children said it does not affect their school
64.3%
hours.

YES NO
 DROP OUT REASON 1.00% 1.00% 3.00%

This chart analyses the reasons for dropping out of school 7.00%
among child labourers. Many child labourers dropped out of
school due to financial difficulties, which accounts for 56.2%.
16.2% of children reported having no interest in education. 15.2%
15.2% were children forced by the employer or family to leave
school. 7% dropped out to earn money for themselves, while
56.2%
3% failed in exams. Only 1% cited biased behaviour by
teachers for religious reasons, to balance work and school, as
16.2%
their reasons for dropping out
DISCUSSION: Financial difficulties are a significant reason
for children dropping out of school. Additionally, some
children leave school due to a lack of interest in studies, while Financial difficulties No interest in education
family circumstances compel others. Various other specific Forced by employer or family To earn money for themselves
Biased behaviour by teachers Religious reason
factors also contribute to school dropout rates. failed exams
 WORKING AS CHILD AFFECT STUDIES.

This chart analyses the effect of child labour on studies.

Among child labourers, 46.5 % reported having difficulty 23.2%
completing homework, 23.2 % said there was no effect on
their studies, 17.2% mentioned missing tests, 10.1%
experienced poor academic performance, and 3.0% had to
46.5%
repeat their grade due to their work commitments. 3.0%

DISCUSSION: Most children said that difficulty

completing homework affected their studies. The remaining 17.2%
children gave other reasons, but these were fewer than the
main reason Difficulty completing homework
Poor academic performance
10.1%
Missed exams or tests
Had to repeat a grade
No effect
 SUPPORT FROM TEACHERS

35.7%

This chart is based on any support received from teachers. 64.3%

of child labourers reported receiving support from their teachers.
Meanwhile, 35.7% of child labourers said they received no teacher
support. 64.3%

Yes No
 EMPLOYER ALLOWS TIME TO STUDY

This chart analyses whether the employer allows

studying or attending school. 50.0% of child
labourers reported that their employer allows them
50% 50%

to study or attend school. While the remaining

50.0% said their employer does not allow them any
time for studies.

Yes No
 LABOUR AFFECTS EDUCATION

30%
This chart analyses whether child labour affects one's chances of
completing education. 30.0% of child labourers said that child
labour affects their education chances, while 70.0% stated that it
does not affect their education goals.
70%

Yes No
 EFFECT OF CHILD ON FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

This chart analyses how child labour affects future

19%
opportunities. 43.0% of child labourers said they had to 28%
work in low-paying jobs due to their early involvement
in labour. 28.0% felt that child labour had no impact on
their future opportunities. 19.0% reported having
limited access to higher education. And 10.0% had
10%
trouble finding stable employment due to working at a
young age. 43%

DISCUSSION: Many children are compelled to take on

low-paying jobs, negatively affecting their education
and future employment opportunities. Working long
hours often leads to poor academic performance and Limited access to higher education
increased dropout rates. Consequently, these children Had to work in low paying jobs
have limited access to higher education, making it Difficulty finding stable employment
challenging to secure stable and well-paying jobs in the No impact
future.
 CONTINUED EDUCATION DOES NOT WORK

This chart analyses whether children continue their education if 48.6%

51.4%
they do not work. 48.6% of child labourers responded yes,
indicating they would have continued their education if they had
not worked as children. While 51.4% of child labourers answered
no, suggesting they would not have continued their education.

Yes No
 INJURIES DUE TO LABOUR

11.4%

This chart analyses whether child labourers have experienced any

problems/injuries. 88.6% of child labourers reported that they
have experienced problems/ injuries while working, while only
11.4% said that they have not.

88.6%

Yes No
 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
12%
20%

If yes, this chart analyses what injuries child

labourers experience while working. Among
those who experienced injuries, 68.0%
suffered physical injuries. 20.0% have
reported emotional health problems, and
12.0% were affected by malnutrition
because of their work.
68%

Malnutrition Physical injury

Emotional health problem
 LIMITS OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS DUE TO LABOUR

16.0% 20.0%
In children's opinion, this chart analyses whether child
labour isolates children from their age group or limits their
social interaction. The percentage of 20.0% of children said
yes, child labour isolated them or limits their social
interaction. 64.0% of children responded that it did not
affect their interaction with peers. 16.0% said it sometimes
affects their social interaction.
DISCUSSION: Most children do not struggle with social
interactions, some experience occasional difficulties, and a
few have significant challenges. Studies indicate that more
than half of children referred for emotional or behavioural
64.0%
issues have trouble interacting with peers.

YES NO SOMETIMES
 CHILD'S FUTURE RELATIONSHIP IN SOCIETY

3%

This chart analyses the impact of a child's future

relationships and social skills. 38% of children reported a
25%
lack of confidence in interacting with family members.
25% experienced a lack of ability to form friendships and 38%

limited social interaction with the public, and 3% said that

they isolate themselves because of their experiences with
child labour.
DISCUSSION: Most of the children said that child labour
affects their future relationships and social skills,
especially their ability to interact with family members, 25%
due to fear of their parents. The same reason was given
for limited social interaction and difficulty making friends,
ISOLATING HIMSELF
as they are afraid to face others. A few children said they LIMITED SOCIAL INTERACTION IN PUBLIC
isolate themselves because they cannot overcome their LACK OF ABILITY TO FORM FRIENDSHIP
situation and feel scared of others. LACK OF CONFIDENCE TO INTERACT FAMILI MEMBERS
 ECONOMIC STABILITY OF FAMILIES

This chart analyses how child labour impacts the 22%

economic stability of families. 78% of families

reported that child labour provides additional
income, while 22% said that despite child labour,
they still live in poverty.
DISCUSSION: Most children said that child labour
affects their family’s economic stability by
providing additional income. Poverty was the
second reason, but it was mentioned less often
than additional income.
78%

ADDITIONAL INCOME POVERTY

 BROADER COMMUNITY OR SOCIETY

20.0%

This chart analyses how child labour affects the

community or society. The percentage of 42.9%
said child labour causes poverty to continue 42.9%
across generations, from parents to children.
27.1% said that it weakens the education system
and health care access. 20.0% believe it
increases societal inequality, and 10.0% reported
27.1%
limiting the community's future economic growth.
DISCUSSION: Many children live in poverty
because their parents struggle financially. Limited 10.0%
access to quality education, health care, and
inequality restricts their future job prospects. POVERTY OF PARENT AND CHILDREN
LIMITS FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH
WEAKENS EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH CARE
INCREASES INEQUALITY
MAJOR FINDINGS:

1. What problems do child labourers face in Guduvanchery, Chennai, in their daily physical,
emotional, and social distress?
 A significant 88.6% of child labourers reported experiencing injuries, including physical injury
(68%), emotional distress (20%), and malnutrition (12%).
 Social isolation was noted, with 20% of children feeling isolated or experiencing limited interaction
with peers and 38% lacking confidence in interacting even with family members.
 25% struggled to form friendships and had limited public interaction, while 3% reported isolating
themselves completely
 These results highlight the severe emotional and social consequences of child labour in addition to
the physical risks.
2. What is the reason that forces children into labour, and how does it affect their education?
 59% of children cited financial difficulties as the main reason for entering child labour. Other
contributing factors included are, 17% reported as lack of interest in education, 16% reported as
forced by employer and family members, 7% reported as they earn money for themselves, and the
rest of factors such as failing/missed exams, biased behaviour by teachers, and religious reason are
reported less than 3% each.
 Though 91.4% of child labourers still attend school, only 51% reported they attended regularly,
26% went to school sometimes, 16% attended rarely, and 7% of children had dropped out
completely.
 Child labour impacted education in the following ways: 46.5% had difficulty completing
homework, 17.2% had missed exams/tests, 10.0% reported poor academic performance, and 3.0%
had to repeat a grade.
 30% of children said child labour affected their ability to complete education.
3. What kind of work do child labourers do, and how does it affect their physical and mental
health?
 Type of work included: domestic work- 53%, Factory work- 36%, street vending- 9% and
agriculture/farming-3%
 These types of jobs are physically demanding and often unsafe, increasing the risk of injuries.
Long working hours and poor working conditions contributed to emotional stress and prolonged
health problems.
 As a result of early entry into child labour, 43% of children ended up with low-paying jobs, 19%
had limited access to higher education, 10% struggled to find stable employment, and 28%
believed child labour had no prolonged impact on their opportunities.
 RECOMMENDATION

 Provide Free Education

 Support Low-Income Families
 Create Awareness
 Improve Healthcare
 Strict Law Enforcement
 Family Planning Programs
 CONCLUSION
The current study aimed to examine the right to education through the lens of educational
rehabilitation for child laborers and the factors that limit some children's access to educational
opportunities. Children cannot make independent decisions; therefore, their caregivers' decisions
largely determine their developmental opportunities. Apart from parents, the government is the
rightful guardian of all children in India, ensuring them equal educational opportunities.

Children work in restaurants and workshops. Their working conditions are highly unhealthy and
hazardous, and they do not receive equitable service payments. Children are invaluable assets to a
country. Awareness should be raised among those children so that they can live their lives more
effectively. This can only be accomplished through psychological change, social awareness, and
intensive campaigning against the problem of child labour.
THANK YOU…